Obituaries

Mr. Fred “Freddy” Scott, 59, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. He was born in Woodbury, Tennessee at the Good Samaritan Hospital on Wednesday, January 5, 1966. He was preceded in death by his father, Sewell Scott.

He is survived by his mother, Sue Redmon of Woodbury; daughter, Macy Scott of Woodbury; sister, Pam (James) Patrick of Westmoreland; niece, Samantha (Joshua) Moore; nephew, Scott (Taylor) Southard; aunts, Joe Helen Simpson, Wilma Jean Prater, Louise Lovvorn, and Mary Jean Cook; 3 great nieces; 1 great nephew; and numerous friends.

Freddy showed lots of potential as a child through his many interests and budding talents, but conventional schooling just wasn’t for him. Being more of an old-school individual, he placed a higher value on practical knowledge rather than reading textbooks, so he left high school before graduating.

With his hands, his mind, and his work ethic, Freddy had what he needed to be industrious. He found kindred thinkers when he decided to attend the trade school in McMinnville for Tool and Die, but starting off in the workforce, Freddy took whatever job was available to him.

For a period of time, he worked at the airport in Smyrna running a bushhog before moving on to work at Bridgestone. He remained there for a few years and then had the opportunity to go work for AVCO. Being a man of many talents, Freddy wasn’t limited to just his trade and eventually he found his career home working for Bush Meter Readings, working as a subcontractor for MTEMC.

Though work was a big part of Freddy’s life, it probably wasn’t how you would remember him. His boisterous voice, unique laugh, and ability to cut up and have fun made him the life of the party just about anywhere he went. Charles Alexander, one of Freddy’s best friends, was a beneficiary of his fun-loving and free personality, and it took them on many adventures together.

Freddy also had a love for animals, which led him to have a dog most of the time. Instead of what you might think of as a good truck dog, it seemed that Freddy usually either had a little, frilly dog or a monster-size dog. There was no in between for him, and his last dog, Homer, stayed true to his type being a Yorkie and Poodle mix. Aside from dogs, Freddy enjoyed horses. Going out on rides with Spotted Saddle horses contained fond memories and plenty of stories for him. His favorite horses over the years were “Kirby” and “Juicy.”

Just like any country boy, Freddy also grew into the staple hobbies for his day. Riding four-wheelers, fishing, camping, and deer hunting topped his list for free-time activities, but he also couldn’t help but get a little more work in on the side. Wood working became a hobby and talent that he enjoyed sharing with those he loved. Macy was his primary pupil, and he taught her how to do pyrography and run a router. Freddy could do anything from design and construction to the fine details burned into the wood. His creations ranged from small trinkets to a casket just to keep everyone on their toes.

That country boy can survive mentality came naturally to Freddy, but it might have been bolstered by his music selections. He was an 80s country and classic rock fan and would have them blasting on the radio as he sang along. Those songs were anthems to his love for fun and family, stubborn will and grit, and simpler living. Even in the face of illness, Freddy stayed true to who he was, and that’s just the way he would have had it.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 10 am-1:30 pm. Graveside services will follow on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2 pm in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riverside Cemetery or the Cannon County Walking Horse Association.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

David Edward Smith, 68, passed away at his home in Woodbury Sunday, April 6, 2025 following a short illness. Born in Rutherford Co., he grew up in Woodbury. He was the son of the late Alvin Mark Smith and Vern Vina Walker Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Jordan Thomas Smith and his siblings, Vera Patterson and Gary Smith.

David is survived by his wife, Velma Grace Hicks Smith “Vicki” of Woodbury; 2 sons, David Mark (Por) Smith and Joel Edward (Jennifer) Smith both of Woodbury; 1 daughter, Susan Victoria Smith of Dickson; grandchildren, Joel (Alyssa), Jacob, Justin, Gracie & Alvin Smith; siblings, Joyce Taylor, Eileen Smith and Joella King all of Woodbury, Karen (Billy) Bass of Bartlett, TN. Several nieces & nephews also survive.

David loved his family like no other and let everyone know it. He was an avid sportsman and was especially passionate about hunting & fishing with his children & grandchildren. He enjoyed grilling out with family & watching the grandchildren adventuring outdoors.

David felt closest to God in nature. He was the owner of Spring Hill Custom Fiberglass & Vacuum Molded Plastic Products.

David’s greatest passion was his family. He was very much loved, and he will be greatly missed.

Private family services for David will be held.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

McMinnville, TN resident and Warren County native Ronald Edwin “Ron” Williamson, age 69, was born December 11, 1955 and died April 8, 2025 at his residence following an extended illness.

A retired truck driver and member of The Pentecostals of McMinnville, he was the son of the late Ralph and Emma Roberts Williamson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Freddie Lance and Sherman Williamson.

Mr. Williamson was married May 24, 2013 to Deb Melton Williamson of McMinnville who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Brandy (Doug) Herrin of Morrison, TN, Melissa (Reed) Bryson and Stephanie (Nick) Lovvorn both of Woodbury, TN and Emmy Williamson of McMinnville; bonus kids, Tina (Herbert) Conley, John (Crystal) Adams, Joshua (Tracy) Adams and Paula (Randall) Harris all of McMinnville; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Sue (David) Reed of McMinnville; special nephew, Jason Reed and many other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 in High’s Chapel with Robert Burns and Tim Houk to officiate. Interment will follow at Bethany Cemetery in Warren County. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

The family requests motorcycle or muscle car riders to participate in procession from Highs Funeral Home to Bethany Cemetery.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Debra Kay Simmons Cole, 68, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025 at her home in Woodbury. Born in Anderson, IN., she was the daughter of the late Lester Gene Goodnight and Creola Head Roadruck.

She is survived by her husband, George Cole of Woodbury; her sons, Travis (Laura) Simmons of Murfreesboro and Joshua Cole of Woodbury; her grandchildren, Rylan and Lily Simmons and siblings, Gene Goodnight of Parker City, IN. and Diana Kelley of Avon, IN.

Mrs. Cole was an accountant and was deeply devoted to her family. She will be missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the summer. For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Ernestine Rogers Smith Bryant, 89, of Woodbury, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on April 1, 2025. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on December 25, 1935 to the late Ernest John and Hallie Goad Rogers.

Born on Christmas Day, God let Ernest and Hallie know that their little bundle of joy was going to be a special gift. Only a few years past the peak of the Great Depression’s hardship, they knew they’d be raising their little one through some serious times, and it only seemed fitting for her name to have that meaning and also take after her father’s name. Luckily for the Rogers family, the name, Ernestine, took and went on to mean so much more than just being a serious girl.

There were things in life that Ernestine was very serious about, and at the top of her list was God and family. Seeing God’s blessing from the valleys of the Great Depression to the mountain tops of the post-World War II economic boom, Ernestine was not one to take anything for granted. Unlike many in the generations before her, she had the opportunity to graduate from Woodbury Central High School with the Class of 1954, and it was during her time there that she met her future husband, Charles Smith.

After graduating, life moved quickly for Ernestine. She began work at the Colonial Shirt Factory, got married, and welcomed her own pink bundle of joy into the world all within 4 years. Instead of continuing the serious meaning of her name, she and Charles opted to name their daughter Sherry, meaning “beloved” or “dearest.” Though times were still tough with wars raging and civil unrest on top of the day-to-day trials, Charles and Ernestine aimed to keep their bubble of happiness and joy.

Their joy multiplied when their son, Russell, came into the world, and by then, Ernestine found her calling working as a Patient Advocate at the VA Medical Center. She had a tender heart, willing hands to serve, and a mind made to express love and care the best way possible for each individual. Everything seemed to be going well and falling into place until tragedy struck the Smith family.

The day started just as any other, but Ernestine’s world fell apart when Russell was hit by a car getting on the bus to go to school one morning and died at the age of 7. Charles and Ernestine clung to one another and to the hope they had “for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow” (Jeremiah 31:13b). Though Russell could never be replaced, the birth of John brought some light back into their lives, and they knew that “God is gracious” held the right meaning for them.

Life took the Smith family down many roads, but Ernestine was sure to keep them all together. She kept a tidy house and made delicious dinners they could enjoy together, always offering a listening ear and sound advice when needed. Her mothering spirit kept a watchful eye over her children, but she knew they had to make their own choices and cut out their own paths in life.

One of Ernestine’s favorite choices that her children made was having grandchildren. Unable to keep her hands off of them, she ended up raising several of her grandchildren, and Sherry and John could definitely tell the difference in treatment. Being a grandparent was a role that gave Ernestine more leeway, so she gave an extra helping of love and care to her grandchildren. They returned their love through the affectionate name, “Kanky,” which stuck. That name became all the sweeter in her ears when Charles died in July 1997, and she devoted herself to the grandchildren, knowing how great a blessing they were in her life.

At that time, Ernestine was also an avid member of the Smith Grove Church of Christ, and her church family and friends rallied around her. She held a close friendship with Helon Gentry and Joann Bush, with whom she’d also attended school and helped handle the card ministry at church. They could stay on the phone with one another half a day it seemed and still somehow manage to get everything done around the house. Even being women devoted to their missions in life, they made time for other people and found solace in their friendship. Those phone calls became times to recharge, reprioritize, and relay the feeling that someone else was there, heard their plight, and was willing to bear the burden alongside them.

However, Ernestine had been a wife for over 40 years, and not having that role and responsibility left a void in her heart that grandchildren and friends couldn’t fill. Meeting widower, William “Bill” Bryant through church, Ernestine found a kindred spirit. They truly bonded in their labor for the Lord and love for manicured landscaping. If you saw Bill out mowing, Ernestine wasn’t far away. She aimed to be a constant helper to him. They shared about 10 years together before Bill died in December 2011.

By then, the two of them had four grandsons in their home, and Ernestine decided that her hands were full. She loved them dearly and knew God had been gracious giving her these boys to care for and be a mother to during her later years. She aimed to raise them up in the way they should go so they would always know the way back home. Her love will be something that each generation of children will be able to carry with them. Whether it was her hugs, her smile, her cooking, her words, or just her presence, Ernestine was a gift to her family and left a mark that no one could remove from their hearts.

Though it may seem odd for this Christmas baby to leave this life on a day known as April Fools, the joy she is experiencing being unburdened from the chains of this world is sure to bring a greater smile to anyone’s face than a well-played prank. Ernestine was no fool, and she took seriously what mattered most in life. She maintained her worship and fellowship being a member of Midway Church of Christ for as long as her health allowed. She devoted her time and efforts to her family and those in need. She loved without reservation, cared without consideration, and served without expectation. Now, she walks in the presence of the Lord, is happily rejoined with her husband and son, and eagerly awaits for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren to join her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Smith; second husband, William “Bill” Bryant; son, Russell D. Smith; grandson, Ronnie Ramsey; brothers, Elbert Rogers and Mitchell Rogers; and sister, Emma Jaco.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry (Tom) Ganoe; son, John (Sharon) Smith; grandchildren, Denise Young, Jonathan Smith, Ethan (Briahna) Smith, Andrew (Jessica) Smith, and Corey (Rhiannon) Smith; great grandchildren, Nora, Nathan, Sean, Jessica, and Victor; great-great grandchildren, Bryson, Calab, Ada, and Emersyn; and sisters, Audrey Cawthorn and Eilane Harris.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 4-8 pm. Graveside services will be Monday, April 7, 2025 at 11 am in McMahan Cemetery. Bro. Herb Alsup will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to McMahan Cemetery.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Patrick J. McBride passed peacefully with his loving family at his side. Patrick is preceded in death by his father, John McBride, and is survived by his mother, Ann Northcutt McBride; his sisters, Jill Potts, Susan Norvel, Nancy Casselman and Suzanne McBride (in-law); his brothers, Michael McBride and Todd Casselman (in-law); his aunt, Faye Northcutt Knox; his uncle, Richard Northcutt; and his nieces and nephews, Noel Bunting, Sam Potts, Kaleigh Concannon, Lindsey Fee, Catherine Casselman, Nolan Casselman and Grace Casselman.

As the oldest of five USAF brats, Patrick experienced a steady change of home addresses throughout the southeast and as far away as the Azores Islands where he became an assistant to a Portuguese gardener named Adolf. When his father, Major John McBride, retired from military service, Patrick was able to put down some roots in the white sands of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. From there, his family’s path took him to Atlanta, Georgia, and finally to his home in Woodbury, Tennessee.

Patrick was loved by all who knew him, his cunning humor, his joy of life and his pure heart. The last chapter of his life was spent at the Community Care of Rutherford County where the dedicated staff treated him like a beloved dignitary. He enriched the lives of many during his very special life. Most of whom belong to the “Bad Boys” club, his signature term of endearment and one of the finest honors one could ever hope to achieve.

A visitation in Patrick’s honor will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 between 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home 303 Murfreesboro Rd., Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Carl F. Vetter, Jr. passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at St. Thomas River Park Hospital at the young age of 100. He would have turned 101 in June. Born in Bristol, PA., he was the son of the late Carl Vetter, Sr. and Vitta Sellech Vetter.

Mr. Vetter is survived by his children, Steve (Kathy) Vetter and Mary (Bill) Horn both of NC, Robert “Bobby” Vetter of MS.; grandchildren, Angela Hermes, Robert “Jay” Vetter, Steve Vetter, Richard Vetter, Courtney Sharpe, Jacob Braddock, Bill Horn, Dana Horn, Susanna Haxell and 17 great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Pyles, his daughter, Sherry Webb and 2 grandchildren, Randall Vetter and Donald Vetter.

Mr. Carl was a member of the Short Mountain New Methodist Church and a retired Senior Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force. Throughout his military career, he served in three significant conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. After his retirement, he dedicated himself to sheet metal and woodworking. He was also a lifelong Mason and an active member of the American Legion. Mr. Vetter had a passion for reading and was known for his humor. He enjoyed gardening with Evelyn and brought joy to those around him with his light-heartedness.

His family will receive friends Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Womack officiating. Full military honors will follow in Riverside Gardens cemetery.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Ms. Alicia Caroline “Bitt” Odom, 53, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on Monday, August 2, 1971.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Brenda Odom; son, Justin Odom; granddaughter, Meleah Odom; brothers, Robert Odom, Marcus Odom, Glenn Odom, and Carlos Odom; father, Jimmy Randolph; sisters, Theresa Randolph, Stephanie Harris, Rochelle Hurt, Viometrice “Nee” Simmons, and Sassandra “Nae” Smith; best friend, Carol Petry; honorary daughter, Shauna Whittemore; honorary grandchildren, Jaylen Whittemore and Camden Whittemore; devoted cousins, Diane Lyons, Pauline Clark, Channell Odom, Shalenia Odom, and Claudie Odom; devoted friends, Devin, Casey, Braylon, and Rider “Oakey” Fox; and a host of other cousins, relatives, and friends.

From a young age, Alicia proved that she was going to shine her light. A lively and friendly girl, you would be hard pressed to find someone that didn’t know her. She treated everyone the way she wanted to be treated and valued their lives and stories, but if you were going to act out of line, Alicia would set you straight. That firm conviction in knowing right and wrong was something she inherited from her mother, and it made her an honest and likeable person.

Alicia never met a stranger because she let people know where they stood with her. She made a memorable mark on the lives of her classmates in the class of 1989 at Cannon County High School. When it was getting close to the end of her time in high school, Alicia “Stood alone on a mountain top, Starin’ out at the Great Divide, I could go east, I could go west, It was all up to me to decide.” So just like the Bob Seger song, she decided to “Roll Me Away” on to future days sooner than her classmates.

Not worrying about what others thought, Alicia kept a smile on her face that could warm even the coldest heart. She knew she was running “Against the Wind,” but she had her classic rock tunes and a heart full of hopes and dreams. Meeting a kindred spirit, Alicia quickly formed a friendship with Carol that would last a lifetime, and they enjoyed their travels together. Whether it was Woodbury, Murfreesboro, or Memphis, the two could come up with a reason to go together, get some food, and, of course, get some shopping done.

Long John Silver’s and O’Charley’s were at the top of Alicia’s list for going to eat, but for anyone that knew her, Alicia’s kitchen was really the place to be. Home cooking came naturally to her, and she cooked delicious chili, meatloaf, fried chicken, cornbread, pinto beans, and whatever else you could want. She was a southern Martha Stewart with a heart of gold. Even when picky eaters came to her table, it didn’t phase her. She became a short-order cook and made them something special.

When Alicia’s health began to fail, she had a supportive family and countless friends around her, but she had formed a friendship with Carol that made them decide to move in together. For 12 years, they were day-in and day-out friends, helping with chores and children as their lives continued to move forward, but after beating cancer and getting her strength back up, Alicia wanted to get back to Woodbury to be close to family.

Proud of her apartment, Alicia was sure to keep a clean house, which meant it was neat, clean, and decorated just how she liked it. That also meant you better not come in and drop crumbs in her floor or at least be picking them up before she noticed. She still knew how to make sure people straightened up and flew right, but her tender heart and mothering spirit attracted all the neighbors kids to her. They would mind her, but they also wanted to be near her, hear her stories, and tell them some of their own.

Alicia loved the kids, her friends, her family, and, most importantly, the Lord. She believed in the power of prayer and would ask people to pray for her whenever sickness or hardships came her way. Her physical heart may have been fading, but her spiritual heart had never been stronger. She kept running “Against the Wind” her whole life and made sure to keep her light shining. It is with deep sorrow the family lays Alicia to rest, but they take hope in knowing she has gone to a better place.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 12-2 pm. Funeral services will follow March 28, 2025 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Dorris Ferrell, 84, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 at St. Thomas Rutherford. Born in Cannon Co., he was the son of John Wiley and Treva Wright Ferrell. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Ferrell and his sister, Dean Stewart.

Mr. Ferrell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Stanka Parker Ferrell of Cannon Co.; his children, Tommy Ferrell (Michelle) of Alaska and Sonia Christie Ferrell Thomas (Danny) of Lafayette; grandchildren, Katie Thomas Momberger (Lance), Samuel Thomas, Kayla Burba (Johnny), Alyssa Ferrell, Annastasia Cheremnov, Kris Carruba, Korey Carruba and Paras Dickson; great grandchildren, Avery and Emma Momberger, Brody Burba, Marscelina, Vaila and Scarlett Carruba, Joel, Alentia, Kiprian and Ulenia Cheremnov.

A member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, Dorris retired from the United States Post Office as a rural mail carrier. He also worked as a farmer and logger. His hobbies included playing the guitar, singing, fishing, and hunting. Additionally, he loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and cherished any time spent with his loving family.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Robbie Black officiating. Interment will follow in the Gunter-Grizzle cemetery.

His family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 25, 2025 and from 11:00 A.M. until his time of service Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave memories and condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Joan Edith Barrett, 92, of Readyville, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. She was born to the late Alfred Edward and Evelyn Rose Bean Steward in Norfolk, England on Friday, September 2, 1932. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Garry Ladd and Steven Ladd; stepson, Ricky Barrett; and brother, Ronald Arthur Steward.

She is survived by her husband, Dee Barrett; son, Danny (Rita) Ladd; stepchildren, Jerry (Susan) Barrett, Kenneth Barrett, Steve Barrett, Sherry Barrett, and Gina (Dennie) Frazier; 10 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

Even though she was born in England, Joan had a similar upbringing and struggle as those born within the United States during the Great Depression. Unlike the United States though, war came close to home when World War II began the day before Joan’s 7th birthday. Only Holland (now the Netherlands) and the English Channel separated Norfolk from Germany. However, the Steward family remained in Norfolk throughout the war, and Joan got the surprise gift of it officially ending on her 13th birthday in 1945.

Though the war had ended, the Great Depression on top of World War II had done their worst to England’s economy, so at the ripe age of 14, Joan finished her schooling and began working in a shoe factory. The Steward family weathered the storms of this life together and built strong familial bonds. Even in Joan’s later years, she referred to her dad as her best friend.

With plenty of practical education from her raising and the workforce, there wasn’t any lack of work ethic in Joan’s body. Though factory work could be rough on the body, she was a Steward and had to grit to get the job done. When Joan got the opportunity to leave the factory setting, she began working at a tea shop. Soon after, she met her soon-to-be first husband. He was in the U.S. Air Force and managed to sweep young Joan off her feet. She moved to the United States around the age of 23, but hardship fell on her shoulders again when her husband left her and their three boys.

That same Steward mentality rose to the challenge, and Joan took whatever came her way in stride. She knew who she was and who she wanted to continue to be in life, and her boys grew up witnessing and adoring their strong, loving, kind, and caring mother, who knew how to lay down the law but also mend a broken heart. Her generosity toward her boys from her time and talents kept her active in their raising, and Garry, Danny, and Steven knew exactly how proud she was of them.

Joan’s pride grew when she became a U.S. citizen. She learned to drive in the United States and juggled her quick, cultural education with working and taking care of her three boys. Factory work was what Joan knew, and what was readily available to her. She began working at Greer Stop Nut in Smyrna. Noticing her eye for detail, she rose to the position of Inspector in the Quality Control Department. Greer created fasteners for automobiles, planes, boats, and submarines, and Joan took her job seriously.

It put food on the table and clothes on her family’s backs, and she didn’t miss a single day of work for 12 years. Working 2nd shift let her be involved in her boys’ lives because she could work while they were sleeping and get in a little bit of sleep while they were at school. Independent and protective of who came into her boys’ lives, Joan was quick to put people in their place and keep on working. It got her noticed by many people, including her superiors and a man named Dee Barrett.

Dee took notice when Joan ran off a man that had dated several women in the plant and knew she had to be a good woman. She proved this over and over again with her independence and work ethic. When she joined the bowling league, Dee delighted in figuring out they were in the same league, but they were on different teams. He noticed that Joan came alone, left alone, and showed up to work alone, so when her team won the big trophy for the company, she also won over Dee’s heart.

He asked Joan to attend the fall company party with him, but she was still cautious on who she let into her life. She turned Dee down and told him that she would see him there if he showed up. Dee was sure to make the party and show Joan that he was a man who matched her belief in work ethic. As Dee and Joan got to know one another better, they learned about their similar plights in life from birth into their middle-age years. From there, it was a done deal. They were married on July 4, 1973, making a blended family of 11 with Joan’s 3 and Dee’s 6.

Around this same time, Joan attended a Friday night meeting and made the decision to be baptized and give her life to the Lord. Being born into this world on a Friday, there is something fitting about being reborn on a Friday as well. This was the new chapter Joan and Dee needed in their lives. Placing membership at the Sunny Slope Church of Christ, they knew they’d found their church family and were faithful members for over 50 years. They were dedicated and devoted to one another, to their family, and, most importantly, to the Lord, and He was the one that carried them through the trials they were about to face with resolve and perseverance.

Becoming the mother of 9 did break Joan’s perfect attendance record at work, but she never failed to have perfect attendance at home. She continued working full-time and kept up the home, while Dee worked two jobs to make sure the family had everything they needed. They were a team in every sense of the word, and Joan didn’t want their struggles to impact the children. She hardly ever asked for help from the kids and made sure her shoulders carried the brunt of the load at home.

Just keeping up the laundry for a household of 11 would be a feat, but Joan did the laundry, cooked the meals, washed the dishes, swept, mopped, and made sure to do “spring cleaning” twice a year instead of just once. She was a force to be reckoned with and an unstoppable advocate for her family. One top of her regular work hours and household chores, Joan also brought a piece of England with her through her gardening.

Only going back to England twice the entire time she and Dee were married made her a little home sick, but she was bound and determined to have her own English garden. Her green thumb had the neighbors stopping to ask for cuttings from her beautiful rose and tea rose bushes. And her irises? Goodness, there was a line of them that brought such beauty to their home that you couldn’t keep from stopping to look at them. Her hobby attracted all kinds of wildlife, and Joan took a particular interest in hummingbirds. But she also knew when hunting season rolled around.

With her mother’s heart, she made a point to see every deer that Danny shot and brought home. The first question from her lips was if anyone else already had claim to it, and if it was a “no,” Joan put in her bid for the meat. She’d have it cut and ground up, and even though she didn’t eat it, she was sure to let Danny know Dee enjoyed it. Alongside Dee, it didn’t seem like there was anything the two couldn’t accomplish for their family. Now, you may be thinking they couldn’t have spent much time together, but Joan and Dee had a solution for that too.

Since the day they got married, they rode to work together and enjoyed the shared companionship and friendship. There was only a brief period of a year or so that Joan drove herself to work while Dee tried to run a sawmill. Missing her company and deciding it wasn’t the venture for him, Dee came back to work. They both remained at the Smyrna plant until it closed and then transferred to the one in Nashville. They continued to ride together until Joan retired in the early 2000s in her 70s with 30 years at Greer Stop Nut.

Working into her early 70s, gardening until her late 80s, and being a present and available mom, Grannie, and Great-Grannie until her passing was the life Joan wanted to live. With so many people brought into her life and so much love shared, her gruffness had dimmed to show the tender and true heart she had inside. You couldn’t help but reciprocate the honesty and truth that she embodied, and you could see her genuine intent in every action she took.

Even as Joan’s health faded, you could tell the love between her and Dee did not. They clung to God’s unchanging hand through the trials, and they still enjoyed riding together almost everywhere. Dee would park close to the door, opening Joan’s doors with one hand and carrying her purse in the other. Their love and respect for one another, their devotion to mutual helpfulness, and their work ethics for their family built a relationship to cherish and lives that gave honor and glory to God.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 11 am – 2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Mark Barker and Jerry Barrett will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden.

Pallbearers will be Jason Ladd, Quinton Glover, Logan Glover, JD Barrett, Michael Vance, Lee Davis, and Geraldo Martinez-Blas.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story